drive a hard bargain
Meaning
To negotiate firmly and aggressively to get the best possible deal, often refusing to concede much.
Origin
From the older sense of “drive” meaning to force or press, combined with “bargain” as a negotiation; recorded from the 18th–19th centuries for tough deal-making.
Notes
Often implies toughness and shrewdness; can be mildly critical or admiring. Used in business, sales, salary talks; informal to semi-formal. Suggests few concessions.
Examples
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She drove a hard bargain and got the supplier to cut the price by 15%.
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If you want to buy that house, be prepared—the seller drives a hard bargain.
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He drove a hard bargain, but we finally agreed on a deal both sides could live with.
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I tried to negotiate, but my landlord drove a hard bargain and wouldn’t budge on the rent.
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They drove a hard bargain for their consulting fees, so we had to revise our budget.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Fixed pattern: “drive a hard bargain.” Verb inflects (drives/drove/driven). Article “a” is normally kept. Often used with “over/for/on” (drive a hard bargain over price).
Synonyms
- negotiate hard
- play hardball
- drive a tough bargain
- bargain hard
- haggle
Antonyms
- be a soft touch
- give in easily
- make concessions
- accept the first offer